In this bulletin, US says it thwarted multiple ballistic missile attack on its Middle East bases, as Iran floats new Strait of Hormuz plan; government concedes inflation still too high ahead of CPI figures release; and at the Commonwealth Games, Flynn Southam ends Kyle Chalmers' reign with 100 metres freestyle gold.
TRANSCRIPT
In this bulletin,
- US says it thwarted multiple ballistic missile attack on its Middle East bases
- Government concedes inflation still too high ahead of CPI figures release
- At the Commonwealth Games, Flynn Southam ends Kyle Chalmers' reign with 100 metres freestyle gold
US Central Command says it intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile attack targeting American forces in the Middle East, with all missiles shot down and no reports of casualties, ending several days of relative calm as mediators tried to revive negotiations.
The US military also says American and Saudi forces carried out strikes on sites used by Iran-backed militias in Iraq following a series of drone attacks over the past three days.
There has been no immediate response from Tehran since its latest barrage that was thwarted.
Iran's government earlier confirmed that the U-S targeted several key infrastructure sites, completely destroying them.
“Bushehr Airport is now completely unusable and will have to be rebuilt from the ground up. The Chabahar maritime control tower- which I mentioned is the “eyes of the sea” for mariners in distress, responsible for monitoring maritime conditions, relaying information, and dispatching rescue teams - also collapsed.”
The renewed fighting comes after weeks of conflict centred on the Strait of Hormuz and amid growing political pressure on President Donald Trump to end the conflict.
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At least five people have been killed after a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's southern Kumamoto prefecture.
Two of the victims died after becoming trapped in a partially collapsed shopping centre, where emergency crews continue searching for survivors.
Tens of thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, while around 300,000 people have been told to evacuate as aftershocks continue across the island of Kyushu.
Authorities are investigating whether a gas leak caused an explosion at the Aeon shopping centre shortly after the earthquake.
This survivor says the earthquake struck with extraordinary force.
"It was really something. It didn’t fall down piece by piece, it came crashing down all at once. ... How can I put it? I felt as if my body was hovering mid-air, so for a moment I didn’t realise it was an earthquake. It was only when I saw the wall collapse that it dawned on me that it was an earthquake. .. It really shocked me."
Officials are warning residents to prepare for further strong aftershocks over the coming week.
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The federal government has acknowledged inflation remains higher than it would like, ahead of the release of key price figures later today.
Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth tells Channel 7 global economic conditions continue to put pressure on prices, but insists the government is focused on bringing inflation down and easing cost-of-living pressures for households.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is due to release the June quarter Consumer Price Index today with economists expecting underlying inflation to remain above the Reserve Bank's two to three per cent target.
Ahead of today's inflation figures, Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor says small businesses are continuing to bear the brunt of higher prices and borrowing costs.
"What we know about the numbers that come out today. Is they're going to be too high. ... The truth is, we have an economy that is not working for hardworking Australians right now. ... And what we see is record level of insolvencies, 30 a day in this country. We've never seen that number before. ... These are the hopes and dreams of Australians being smashed as they can't make ends meet any longer with a government that is seeing out-of-control inflation."
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The New South Wales Government will build the state's first memorial dedicated to veterans of Australia's modern conflicts, recognising those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and other recent military operations.
The memorial will be built in Sydney's Domain, where thousands gathered for Australia's first Anzac Day commemoration in 1916, just one year after the Gallipoli landing.
Premier Chris Minns says while Australia has long honoured those who served in earlier wars, veterans of more recent conflicts have not had a dedicated place of recognition.
"The former head of the Returned Services League, Nick Baybridge who's with us today said, 'We're very good at remembering the older wars, and it's very important that we do remember those older wars. But there's a big hole missing for current veterans. We couldn't be one of those countries that sent people off to war then forget their service on the other side. Australia has never been that country... and we can't be that now."
The memorial is also intended to honour the families of serving and former Defence personnel and provide a place where veterans can gather with their communities.
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Spain's Marc Cucurella has honoured his World Cup promise by getting a tattoo of Spain's coach on his arm.
The defender had earlier vowed to get a tattoo of Luis de la Fuente if Spain won the tournament.
*Spanish translated to English "Well, I don’t know, I don’t know - I still have to think about it; I have to figure out where to get it. People will ask me about it, too, so it can’t be in such a visible spot, but oh well. I think we still have a long journey ahead of us. I hope that gives me some ideas. So I’ll think it over and then it's just a question of getting it done."
The tattoo shows Luis de la Fuente holding the World Cup trophy, with Cucurella posting on his social media "Promesa cumplida", which translates to "Promise fulfilled."
Spain surprised 2022's World Cup holder Argentina in the final, with a 1-nil victory after Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute, to seal the trophy for their side.
*Cucurella at post match conference after winning the WC, when asked about the promise
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Australia's Flynn Southam has claimed Commonwealth Games gold in the men's 100 metres freestyle, ending Kyle Chalmers' reign in the event.
The 21-year-old won in 47.13 seconds, finishing ahead of Wales' Matt Richards, with Chalmers taking bronze in 47.74 seconds.
The victory is Southam's first major individual international title and marks the first time Chalmers has been beaten by an Australian in a major international race.
Earlier, Queensland's Kirralee Hayes won gold in the women's para 50 metres freestyle S13, while fellow Australian Jenna Jones claimed bronze.
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